Understanding myofascial release (MFR)
Myofascial release is a slow, intentional form of bodywork that gradually creates change that relieves pain and improves movement by encouraging the body back into fluid, responsive function.
Why I use myofascial release (not for the fascia)
I use MFR because it works. The techniques create changes that are positive and meaningful for people. In truth, it is not well understood why the techniques work. There are about as many theories as there are therapists using MFR. And in truth, almost none of them qualify as theories in a scientific sense, but are rather wild guesses based on incomplete knowledge of fascia and how it works.
While most massage therapists that use MFR continue to focus (almost fanatically) on fascia, I do not. This is not because fascia is unimportant (i think it is very important). It is because I believe there is a better explanation of how myofascial release works, and that the fascial focused explanation is not supported well by the evidence.
why I don't think MFR is primarily about the fascia
The most common claim to how Myofascial Release works is that sustained pressure causes the fascia to temporarily become more malleable, so that it can be stretched, released, reorganized, and all kinds of other stuff. This is extremely unlikely based on evidence, my own experience, and common sense.
- Evidence: this has not been observed in a scientific study to happen at all. In fact, fascia has been observed to be very tough and resistance to mechanical deformation. Certainly tough enough to resist the kind of pressures that can be created by pushing on someones body.
- Experience: I was very fortunate to attend a full body dissection course on unpreserved cadavers in 2019. During this dissection I was able to physically touch, cut, and pull on fascial tissue all over the body. It does not stretch. It is extremely tough. I was able to pick up nearly all of the weight of the cadaver with a length of fascia in the leg, and it did not stretch at all.
- Common sense: If fascia really responded the way people claim it does, by "releasing" after pressure has been applied to it for a period of time (ranging from 30+ seconds to a number of minutes, in most cases), then we would all end up in a puddle on the floor at the end of the day. Most of the fascia in the human body is meant to be under tension. It is how your body is held together, like a suspension bridge. It is meant to withstand constant, large amounts of tension. If sustained tension caused it to stretch, we would be gradually falling apart every time we stood up.
I want to focus more on my approach, and what you can expect, so I will move on. But I wanted to explain why I differ in my approach before doing so.
If not fascia, then what?
Okay, so let me start out by saying "I don't know". And as far as I know, no one else does either. Theres simply not enough good science to know what is going on inside the body during massage techniques like this. However, i think it is safe and useful to say a few things about how MFR appears to work:
- It affects the nervous system. This is undeniable in a sense, because if it works to cause a person to move differently and feel less pain, it must involve the nervous system which is responsible for creating movement and feeling pain. (wether the effect is direct or indirect, and the exact nature of the effect is perhaps a more involved discussion)
- It works, sometimes. It doesn't solve every problem, but I have been able to help hundreds of people feel better using MFR. So it does something, when it can.
- It is safe, when done thoughtfully. There really aren't many side effects to be worried about. MFR is gentle and adaptable to each person.
My current best guess is that most of the effect of MFR is due to an effect on the nervous system. Now, maybe this involves the nerves in the fascia. In fact that seems likely to me. But I won't claim to know for sure. I will say, that I have been more successful and able to adapt my approach to individuals more effectively since I have adopted this focus on the nervous system instead of trying to change the fascia directly.
What is different about my approach to MFR?
The techniques I use when it comes to MFR look very much the same as any other MFR therapist. But the intention behind the techniques that is different. While the techniques look the same on the surface, they can actually be quite different in the context of how they are integrated with other techniques in massage session.
In a nutshell:
- I use many of the same techniques as traditional MFR therapists
- I apply the techniques to support nerve pathways and relax the nervous system, so my choice of when and how to apply a technique is different
- I don't have a preconceived notion of how your fascia should be positioned, I instead follow your body's responses to find positioning that clearly works for your body
- I use MFR as a way to prepare the body for other techniques, or to integrate changes made from other techniques
When is myofascial release a good fit?
- You feel stiff, restricted, or “glued down” in certain areas of your body
- You have chronic pain that hasn’t responded well to stretching or deep pressure
- Your body feels out of balance, like one side is pulling or twisting
- You’re recovering from injury, surgery, or postural strain
- You experience tension headaches, TMJ issues, plantar fasciitis, or back pain
- You prefer slow, deep, non-gliding work that helps your body unwind from the inside out
- You are able to find relief from your pain or discomfort by finding certain positions or doing certain stretches
What to expect during a myofascial release session
Myofascial release is slow, still, and deeply tuned in. It’s less about “working on the muscle” and more about listening to how the tissue and your nervous system respond.
- We start by discussing where you feel tension, pain, or restriction
- Techniques involve sinking into the body with static, sustained pressure often held for several minutes at a time
- I explore many variations (direction, pressure, position) while getting your feedback to get a highly detailed idea of what works best for your nervous system
- During these techniques there is no rapid movement or kneading, and I may use very little or no lotion
- You may feel a sense of slow stretching, warmth, or unwinding like your body is reorganizing itself from the inside
- You may feel a subtle sense of relief, like something suddenly feels more "right" than it did before
- The session is quiet, slow-paced, and deeply intuitive, often with long pauses to let the body respond
How I integrate this with other techniques
Like all massage techniques, I don't believe Myofascial Release is the one true answer for all your problems. Rather than blindly applying a "system" or approach to your problem because it "should" work, I like to let your body decide what works. I typically begin with whatever techniques seem most likely to help based on my experience. I blend them together with techniques that create general relaxation and allow me to find additional areas of focus.
By communicating with you and paying attention to how your body responds to each technique, we will tailor the session to your needs together. You are always part of the decision making process. This allows us to gradually find the right mix of techniques that actually gets results for you.
Looking for myofascial release therapy in the Lehigh Valley, PA?
Please feel free to reach out. I would be happy to discuss your situation and recommend myself or another professional provider depending on what will suit you best. I offer in home medical massage therapy appointments, and stay in touch with some other great local health professionals. I would love to talk with you!
